Emmanuel Adebayor: Striker has found himself out of favour at Tottenham

The Togolese frontman has found himself frozen out of the first team picture at White Hart Lane and is yet to make a competitive appearance this season.

It was speculated that Spurs were looking to offload the former Arsenal and Manchester City frontman over the summer, with Adebayor forced to train with the reserves.

Deadline day came and went with no deal done, meaning the 29-year-old remains part of Villas-Boas' plans.

The Portuguese coach insists Adebayor has always been under consideration, and could make his first outing of the campaign in the Europa League tie with FC Sheriff on Thursday, and says he should consider himself unfortunate to be among those to have fallen out of favour.

Villas-Boas said: "There is a chance that he could be involved (against Sheriff), but I'm not sure if he's starting or not."

On Adebayor and the fit again Aaron Lennon, who has taken in just one Premier League outing this term, he added: "They don't need opportunities or chances. They're valued and they're great quality players. The difference from last year, I think, is the competition is higher.

"Last season we wouldn't rotate as much for this competition (the Europa League) as we have so far. This is done because of the immense talent we have at our disposal.

"We can make six or seven changes now, which keeps the players fresh and motivated.

"There is always that chance they can break into the team, although both are established players and have been successful in the past."

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?